Notice given 29 July 2002

495  Senator O’Brien: To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry—

(1) What was the total number of cattle that died during the July 2002 voyage of MV Becrux .

(2) When did the Minister or his office first become aware of livestock deaths aboard the MV Becrux .

(3) What was the number of cattle deaths advised to the Minister or his office in that advice.

(4) (a) Who provided that information to the Minister or his office; and (b) how was the information communicated.

(5) When did the Minister or his office become aware that the number of cattle that had perished on the July voyage of the MV Becrux was considerably higher than the initial reports of losses.

(6) What was the number of cattle deaths advised to the Minister or his office in that advice.

(7) (a) Who provided that information to the Minister or his office; and (b) how was the information communicated.

(8) When did the Minister first become aware that the number of cattle that had perished on the July voyage of the MV Becrux was in the order of 900.

(9) What was the exact number of cattle deaths advised to the Minister or his office in that advice.

(10) (a) Who provided that information to the Minister or his office; and (b) how was the information communicated.

(11) Has the Minister called for an investigation into these livestock deaths aboard the MV Becrux , to be conducted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and Livecorp.

(12) When is the investigation due to report to the Minister.

(13) When will the report be made available to: (a) the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; and (b) the public.